Black Swan State Theatre Company

The Events

The Events was the sleeper hit of the 2013 Edinburgh Festival and Clare Watson was instrumental in bringing this mesmerising theatre work to Australia in 2016, to direct its premiere for the Sydney Festival. After successful seasons in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, this acclaimed production is set to have its Perth premiere.

One of Australia’s most powerful actors, Catherine McClements (Water Rats, Rush), plays Claire, a vicar and leader of a community choir that regularly meet in a local town hall. When a young man enters the hall and opens fire, her beloved community – and the ideals that sustain it – is blown apart.

Set in the wake of the tragedy, a conversation unfolds between Claire and the young man. She is unpacking her rage, her fears and ultimately, her forgiveness. The young man is something else: the voice of the alienated, an enemy within and a lost generation. In an era of uncertainty and inexplicable events, questions are asked and resolutions sought. Could he have been stopped?

David Greig (Midsummer: A Play with Songs) has written a beautiful story of hope and healing. The Events will be performed with a different Perth community choir at each performance. It is an extraordinary blend of theatre and music.

We are pleased to share that Auslan interpretation is provided for both the matinee and evening performances on Saturday 7 July. Follow the links above and use the promo code AUSLAN to select seats in view of the interpreter.For groups 8+ please contact the Perth Theatre Trust at groups@ptt.wa.gov.au

A statement from Black Swan State Theatre Company:In programming the 2018 season, over a year ago, we looked at works that engaged in social issues that are of importance to our community. The next pairing of shows is specifically about political violence driven by the disenfranchised (ASSASSINS) and the other about how people find a pathway to heal in the aftermath of a community tragedy (THE EVENTS). The reality of gun violence coming to pass so close to home is shocking and a deep tragedy. All our hearts and thoughts here at Black Swan go out to friends and family of those lost and their entire community.